Jessica M. Vallandingham

Jessica M. Vallandingham serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she plays a critical role in executing the acquisition lifecycle for naval aviation systems. Responsible for soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while supporting NAVAIR’s mission to develop, test, and sustain advanced aircraft, weapons, and avionics for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Her portfolio primarily encompasses complex technical acquisitions in aircraft manufacturing, propulsion systems, and mission-critical avionics, requiring deep subject matter expertise in defense aerospace procurement and risk mitigation strategies. Vallandingham maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading defense primes including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with these industry leaders to deliver next-generation naval air capabilities. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, integrated logistics support, and systems engineering integration, ensuring seamless transition from development to sustainment. She frequently engages with contractors on long-term sustainment contracts and technology refresh initiatives, fostering collaborative partnerships grounded in technical rigor and accountability. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 96.3% of awards issued without set-asides. Only 3.7% of her awards are designated for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, indicating a targeted but limited emphasis on socioeconomic programs, consistent with NAVAIR’s focus on mission-critical capabilities requiring specialized industrial base capacity. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), and 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), reflecting deep specialization in propulsion systems, airframe components, and complete aircraft platforms. She also frequently procures advanced sensors and navigation systems under NAICS 334511, demonstrating expertise in integrating cutting-edge avionics and electronic warfare technologies into carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft fleets.